Market Square Reclamation: April 29 CARF Update
A Cataraqui Archaeological Research Foundation (CARF) team is providing regular updates on its progress as it explores Kingston's Market Square prior construction of a new public space. The report below was prepared by S. Bazely.
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CONTINUED SITE PREPARATION
- Further mechanical excavation was carried out in the Phase 1 area - identified as 2A, 2C and 2D.
- Further mechanical excavation was carried out in the north-south oriented trench along the current western perimeter of the study area (identified as 2B) to remove more of the demolition fill and continuing at the furthest southern extent.
- Ministry of Labour inspector requested tarps to be placed on the slopes of trench 2B for safety requirements - this was acted upon - and anyone present on-site must wear hard hats and work boots.
FINDINGS
- In 2A there is a burn layer on top of a pavé surface - this contains a variety of artifacts including burnt stoneware and split peas or lentils.
- In 2D, the northeast corner along Brock Street there are now several limestone foundations which are likely representative of a row of 1800 - 1840 tenement houses and possibly Walkers' Tavern - these burned in the 1840 fire - artifacts include fragments of liquor and pharmaceutical bottles, animal bone and nails.
- South of the building foundations in 2D the soft limestone rubble fill initially interpreted as fill in the builders' trench for the Market Wing construction and/or remnants of the French (1756) earthworks re-deposited, is now thought to be a late 19th or 20th century disturbance - this may be for a sewer and is designated as 2C.
- At the junction of 2B and 2C is a corner portion of the Market Wing with an arched stone representing the arcading, and a brick opening, possibly a door.
- In 2B at the base of the stone steps is a flagged landing area - running north from this to the first interior stone wall is a burnt floor joist.
- At the top of the steps and to the south is another wall or possibly curb running north-south and making a right-angled turn to run east, parallel to the top of the steps - this may be the foundation for exterior stalls or even other structures that stood in the Market Square.
- Some of the 1865 fire and demolition fill within the Market Wing has been excavated - artifacts include fragments of burnt window glass, lead and copper.
MEDIA COVERAGE & PUBLIC EDUCATION
- More newspaper articles and photographs have reported our work and progress, and the local CKWS-TV news show and COGECO Cable have filmed segments to air next Monday at 5:30 and 6:30 p.m.
- We are starting to take bookings from local schools for tours in May.
- Interpretive signage is expected to go up on the fences next week.
- The crew is providing information on the general history and findings to date to visitors who stop at the fence.
